खाटू श्याम चालीसा — Word-by-Word Meaning

Meditating on the feet of the Guru and remembering Sachchidananda, I recite the Shyam Chalisa, composing it in the chaupai metre. Chant 'Shyam, Shyam' again and again, and effortlessly cross the ocean of worldly existence. There is no other god like him; none so kind to the lowly, none so generous a giver. Son of Bhima's son (Ghatotkacha) and Ahilavati; he is also called the grandson of Bhima. This whole account is true across the ages (kalpas); do not doubt it in the least. Barbarika is an avatar of Vishnu; for the sake of his devotees he took on a human form. Beloved of Vasudeva and Devaki; the darling of Mother Yashoda and Nanda. Madhusudana, Gopala, Murari; the youth of Braj, the lifter of Govardhan. Siyaram, Sri Hari, Govinda; protector of the lowly, Sri Bala Mukunda. Damodara, Ranchhod, Bihari; the Lord, Dwarkadhish, the slayer of demons. In the Narahari (Narasimha) form he was dear to Prahlada; splitting the pillar, he slew Hiranyakashipu. Beloved of Radha, consort of Rukmini; beloved of the gopis, the slayer of Kamsa. Called Manmohan (enchanter of hearts) and Chittachor (stealer of hearts); he stole and ate the butter. Murlidhar, lord of the Yadus, Ghanshyam; Krishna, purifier of the fallen, the delightful one. Lord of Maya, lord of Lakshmi, the Supreme; Purushottama, Keshava, Lord of the universe. Lord of the world, the light of the three realms; kinsman of the lowly, protector of devotees. None has fathomed the Lord's secret; even Shesha, Mahesha and the great sages grew weary. Narada, Sharada, the sages and yogis ceaselessly repeat 'Shyam, Shyam'. Even the wise and learned cannot count them; his names are boundless, unfathomable, infinite. In every creation and every age, O brother, he takes incarnation, bringing joy to devotees. Reflect upon it within your heart: chant Shyam, and you shall be delivered. A parrot, taught the Name, redeemed the courtesan Ganika; wondrous was the devotion of the Bhil woman (Shabari). The chaste Ahalya, wife of Gautama, who by a curse had become a suffering stone — — ever placing her devotion at Shyam's feet, she reached her husband's world (was redeemed). Ajamila and Sadan the butcher attained the supreme state by the power of the Name. Whoever has the support of Shyam's name gains happiness, and all sorrow is removed. Shyam is beautiful-eyed and exceedingly handsome; a peacock crown upon his head, yellow silk upon his body. A lovely Vaijayanti garland adorns his neck; his matchless beauty delights the devotees' hearts. Remember 'Shyam, Shyam' day and night — at evening, at noon and at dawn. He whose chariot Shyam drives as charioteer — the stones (obstacles) of that path are cleared away. A devotee of Shyam is never defeated anywhere; when trouble strikes, they call upon Shyam. Let the tongue drink the nectar of Shyam's name; live by relishing the joy of Shyam's name. You will gain worldly enjoyment, and in the end the blissful union with Shyam. Lord Shyam is dark of body, yet white (pure) of heart — innocent and guileless. Shyam is the benefactor of saints and devotees; he destroys grievous disease, fault and sin. Whoever calls his name with love — that devotee becomes dear to Shyam. He dwells at Khatu, the resident of Mathura; the Supreme Brahman, perfect and imperishable. He played the flute filled with nectarous melody, heard far and wide in every direction. Old and young, all the women and men, were enchanted on hearing the notes of his flute. Running and running they all arrived where Shyam Kanhaiya is, at Khatu. Whoever beheld the form of Shyam was freed from the fear of existence. O lovely dark Shyam, bearing the body of Barbarika — fulfil your devotee's wish, and do not delay.